by Young
This mysterious beast revealed himself to me because he trusted my integrity. I was honored to be accorded the cachet to testify its divinity. This pearlescent skinned creature glowed like a rainbow, and its eyes were as vibrant as the blazing sun.
Before I could grasp the encounter, Helius had mounted the horse and was airborne. I watched agape as they encircled me. Helius whispered into the creature’s ear when they landed. He lowered his head and pawed its foot my direction.
My charge announced, “Petronius is delighted to make your acquaintance.”
Flummoxed, I did not know how to react.
I kowtowed to the beast. “I am esteemed to meet you, Petronius,” I muttered.
He nodded in acknowledgment.
Helius commented cheerfully, “We communicate via telepathy. Like you, with the preternatural beings, you’d encountered.”
“Would you like Petronius to take you for a flight?” the boy asked.
I nodded.
“Hop on Big-Brother,” the lad sallied.
I soared through the air like I was on the back of an angel. Similar to the experiences I had encountered under the influence of LSD at Andorra’s Campos de Fresa para Siempre (Strawberry Fields Forever) and during my hallucinatory dream when I blacked out at ARGOS, the BDSM establishment in Amsterdam. But this encounter was real, and I had Helius to avowed its authenticity.
Dear fellas, this was just one of my candid encounters with a phantastical beast. ??
Love and hugs,
Young
The Uniqueness of Being Human (Chapter Forty-Eight)
“Uniqueness is something my father pounded into me.”
Helius Sol Mardas
December 1968
Daltonbury Hall, Isle of Wight, England
That year, I did not return to Kuala Lumpur to spend the winter break with my family. Instead, I was at Daltonbury Hall being groomed for the role of a Big-Brother. I was one of twelve students recruited to enter the school’s Big-Brother programme.
Although my final days at Aldhdhib Dann were not as smooth running as with my other Arab households because my Master had fallen in love with me even though I could not return his approbation. He wanted me to stay for another term, but Andy was at the ready to whisk me away at the drop of a hat as soon as my service at Wolf Den concluded. Tad had summoned my guardian and me to his study before we left. He was close to tears.
“I am sad for us to say goodbye. You two are my friends and supporters of my convictions; especially when it comes to prorating advice to delicate matters,” my Master conceded.
He wiped the tears from his eyes before he resumed, “Young, I am very fond of you, but I realize that nothing can deter the love you have for your Valet.”
The Arab glanced at my chaperone. “Andy, I’m revered to know an honorable gentleman like you. Take good care of this lad. Otherwise, I might steal him from you,” he joked.
My Master hugged us for a farewell salutation before he handed us a couple of packages.
“Go, before I change my mind and insist you stay for another term of service,” the man opined and waved us away, in case he changed his mind.
Tad’s chauffeur dropped us to Waterloo Station to board the train for Portsmouth Harbour before we caught the ferry to the Isle of Wight.
Not only was my lover delighted that my harem ordinance was behind us and he could have me to himself, but he was also relief that I no longer have to share my eroticism with another.
Although my Master was capricious, he was a benevolent man and did his best in the face of difficulties. I had grown accustomed to his idiosyncrasies and found him to be prepossessingly unique even when I had to tread with caution when his temper flared. He was a lost boy who longed for love but was afraid to commit. When his intimacies failed, he exonerated the blame on the other. This gave him an excuse to vindicate his guilt and resume his playboy stature before the procedure repeated itself.
In some ways, I felt downhearted that I could not do more to help this athlete, who had achieved so much in the field of sports but accomplished so little in his quest for love. While love and munificence had fallen onto my lap without much exertion; he craved with earnestness for this affectionate indulgence with chagrin.
Andy once said, “Young, you cannot help others until you can help yourself. Once you’ve effectuated that, the universe will reveal its secrets in more ways than you can fathom.”
The BB Inception Ceremony
My lover was elated when Daltonbury Hall selected him to be one of three instructors, together with two professors. They were to edify twelve students including me in the Art of Big-Brothership. That year, my school’s BB programme had carefully handpicked the appointed twelve from a pool of twenty Volunteers. We were notified of the selection before our winter break and were adjured to remain at Daltonbury the week before Christmas for an inception ceremony.
“We welcome the twelve eventual Big-Brothers into our midst,” announced BB Joshua from the podium.
“We are honored to be your advisers, friends, and compatriots throughout your big-brother internship. If you have any queries or concerns, do not hesitate to approach our two advisory professors - Dr. Baron Struss, and Dr. Richard Kron or Big-Brother Andy, Solomon and me for guidance,” he informed before he introduced the mentors.
He continued, “I am the person I am today because of Professor Struss and my ex-Big-Brother, Lucas, who mentored me when I was a Freshman at Daltonbury Hall.”
Joshua passed the microphone to Solomon who announced, “I believe this is true for the twelve of you since you have chosen to donate nine to fifteen months of your time to foster the well-being of the incoming Freshmen. We were fortunate to have a Big-Brother take us under their wings and to show us the ropes. I’d like to thank and honor the mentors we had throughout our teenage lives. And to reflect on the importance of the positive and empowering effects of mentorship. The great thing about being a mentor is that anyone can be one, but you must make the decision and take the initial step. Therefore, it is appropriate for Dr. Kron to highlight the reasons for mentorship.”
Professor Kron took the mic and cleared his throat before he heralded, “First and foremost, I’d like to thank all of you for being here to take up the challenge to be a Big-Brother. You boys have the potential to change a young person’s life. Do not be intimidated by the weight of that mission. As Solomon mentioned, anyone can be a mentor. You don’t have to be wise to change a life.
“When I was thirteen-years-old I was matched with a life-changing mentor. My ex-Big-Brother James Schiffer, now Parliamentarian James Schiffer was then an astute Daltonbury graduate destined to enter the law faculty at Oxford University. At the time, I had no idea what a barrister did, even though the word sounded impressive. Growing up, I did not know many people like James. To have him in my life and to witness his examples gave me a new sense of life’s possibilities and the potential to be more than I could be.”
Professor Struss interjected when Dr. Kron took a sip of water.
“Nowadays, so much of our mental energies are spent on ourselves such as our hopes, fears, anxieties, our next Big Plan, and our goals for the future. Having a mentee will force you to not think of yourself and to concentrate on your charge’s hopes, fears, and plans. This will transcend your egotism on a consistent basis. By focusing your energies on helping someone else, you provide a valuable service; both to your charge and to yourself. Perhaps, during the process, your mentee will help you realize that your fears aren’t as insurmountable, or your plans are as all-important as you think they are,” Baron expressed.
Professor Kron chimed before Struss could continue, “Besides, your charge will help you stay hip. There’s nothing like having a young person in your life to keep you from turning into an old fogey.”
Dr. Struss evinced jokingly, “You mean like you, Richard?”
We laughed at their facetiousness.
Baron recommenced, “You, guys, are also help
ing to build a better, more stable society. One-to-one mentoring helps create happier, more stable adults, which benefits the community at large. According to a study undertaken by our school to measure the impact of our Big-Brothers program, lads with Bigs were:
46 percent less likely to use illegal drugs than kids, not in the program.
27 percent less likely to use alcohol than kids, not in the program.
52 percent less likely to skip school than kids, not in the program.
37 percent less likely to skip a class than kids, not in the program.
Apart from that warm, fuzzy feeling from being a mentor, it also has a measurable positive impact.”
Richard interposed, “Boys, you may end up with more than just a mentee, but an added member of your family.
“All the years when James Schiffer and I paired up, we’ve been through a lot together. From joyous celebrations to grand adventures, and through difficult times. These were special moments we’ll never forget. I was honored to be the Best-Man at his wedding, and I also stood at his side when he was sworn into Parliament. On the other hand, James was there at my graduations from Daltonbury Hall to Oxford University. When I lost one of my best friends in a plane crash, he was the one who consoled me. We were there for each other through good and bad times. In short, James wasn’t just a mentor; he is a part of my family, and I can’t think of him in any other way.”
Professor Struss clutched the microphone and concluded, “The life you end up changing could be your own. Even if it’s a bit of a cliché, it doesn’t make it any less accurate. Your decision to become a mentor will lead to a series of events, experiences, challenges, rewards, and opportunities you cannot foresee. These will force you to learn, evolve and despite yourself, will become a better human being. The world needs more mentors; more shining beacons like all of you who will help our Freshmen to navigate the perilous challenges of our ever-changing world. It is important to remember that your charge can also serve as a beacon to you; by assisting you in your own difficulties. Even if they do this in the most innocent ways without consciously realizing it. They will remind us of what really matters.
“Ultimately, mentoring is not a one-way process, but a two-way street. It has the potential to change and transform not just one life but two. It is an adventure that you will learn much about yourself with stories to last a lifetime. Its rippling effects have the potential to change the world and/or save it.”
“If you ask me, it is not a bad return on your investment.” These were Professor Kron’s final words.
Second Week of November 2014
David and Andy’s responses to Me
Hi Young,
Wow! You must be over the moon to ride on a flying horse. Is the Helius and Petronius narration real or did your active imagination run havoc? Just checking to make sure you are all there. LOL!
If this is a real story, you are the first person I know who rode a winged horse. It must have been an exhilarating experience. Wish I could ride one too. ??
Blessings!
David
Young,
You are a genuinely unique individual. All my other lovers pale in your presence. I’m not staggered by your encounter with a flying horse. Ever since I’ve known you, there is a uniqueness about your being, a certain je ne sais quoi, I find difficult to pinpoint. Stellar entities are drawn to you like bees to honey. Perhaps it’s your sweet innocence and untainted wiliness. I, for one, am captivated by your definitive attributes. That said, I look forward to reading more of your mythical experiences.
Love,
Andy
XOXOXO
Astute Resolutions (Chapter Forty-Nine)
“It is not a good idea to forecast, or double guess the fates; you will always be fooled.”
Iman
First Week of October 1968
Tad’s Townhouse in Mayfair, London, England
Our lesson on Reasonable and Unreasonable Disagreements did not recommence until a couple of days after our London arrival. The devious Miss Yasmin had tricked her brother, Tad, Andy and me. She had convinced us that she needed a change of scenery when it was her elopement strategy to marry Josef, the British Eurasian, she was secretly dating in Riyadh.
Although my Valet and I did not have to convince my Master to scurry his sister away from Aldhdhib Dann, the athlete’s livid dispute with his conservative brother, Ali, prompted his decision to liberate Yasmin from the clutches of their traditionalist father and overtly religious brother. Tad would not be able to forgive himself if he had left the female in Riyadh. Little did he realize that his artful sibling had another plan in mind no matter how latitudinarian he was. As soon as we set foot in London, she vanished into thin air.
Tad was furious with Yasmin and with himself for being double-crossed. He was at a crossroad. Besides having to garner a credible explanation to his hidebound parents, he also had to report a missing person to Scotland Yard. Thanks to the astute Curt Eberhardt, my Master uncovered Miss Yasmin’s whereabouts without police intervention. Since the athlete had to attend to several essential sports engagements; my professor, Andy and I interceded and solicited a deal with the female to return to her brother’s care, and Tad would give her away to Josef at their wedding.
My Master was enraged when he heard the bargain, but the three of us convinced the Arab that this was the best solution for all involved. After all, Tad’s family had nothing to lose but much to gain. Josef was an accomplished financier, and his family was of solid standing. Yasmin would be well cared for in regards to financial stability and in love. The hurdle the athlete had to face was to convince his conservative family that this union was a marriage made in heaven.
Under the guise of our lesson - Reasonable and Unreasonable Disagreements, Professor Eberhardt vindicated us that the master plan for this complicated transaction was in fact straightforward. All that was needed was to have one’s head screwed on the right way.
Reasonable and Unreasonable Disagreements
Our German professor commented as we gathered in the townhouse dining room. “In every relationship, be it personal or professional, there will always be disagreements. There is never a situation where people understand and agree with one another all the time. That is a fantasy and not a reality.”
He added, “As an educator and trainer, I spend a lot of time with students and clients. I help them deal with communication breakdowns. Many disagreements amount to transmissions decline, and over the years I’d ascertained seven efficient ways to deal with disagreements.”
BB Louis chimed, “Do enlighten us, professor.”
Curt gave us a sly smile before he elucidated, “It’s really very simple.
First and foremost: seek to understand. People tend to disagree when they don’t understand one another. When one party is busy wanting to be heard and doesn’t spend the time to understand; disagreement happens. Most of us are more alike than different. When you realize that, you will start to accommodate, tolerate or even appreciate a different viewpoint. Therefore, seek to understand, acknowledge and be open-minded to listen to the other person.
Then, look beyond your own provocations. Many disagreements stem from someone being triggered by something that’s been said. What is provoked is usually fear and the awareness of one’s limitations. Whatever had happened in your past, you must find a way to get past those vexations. Remind yourself that you’re in a new situation and that person does not mean to harm you.”
Andy injected, “Third and certainly not last; is to seek out similarities and not differences. Personally, I find that the best way to resolve a disagreement is to look for common grounds. When I concentrate on the variances, the gap becomes extensive; but when I search for common grounds, it bridges the vacuity even though at times it may be a stretch.”
Our tutor promulgated amusingly, “Thank you, Andy. That is indeed true, but you forgot to mention that one has to be a good listener. In any conflict, it’s crucial for both parties to
be heard. That means it is essential to be a good percipient, to be unbias and nonjudgmental. A good auditor gives his or her full attention; asks for clarification if necessary and listens to different opinions without being defensive or argumentative. The best way to monitor this is to be silent. That’s when you learn to take responsibility for your own feelings. In heated disagreements, it is easy to make accusations, lay blame and fabricate excuses.
“To work through the blame game, you have to be honest with yourself and to take responsibility for your feelings and presumptions that may have contributed to the communication breakdown.”
Eberhardt continued solemnly, “Make a commitment to yourself. During an intense disagreement, it is not uncommon for one or both parties to have a foot out the door. If you want to honestly get to the heart of the matter, be sure that the other person understands your commitment to the relationship. Even if you have an issue with their behavior, you have to keep that matter separate.”
Louis expressed, “It is wise to use positive language. None of us want to be called names, to be singled out negatively or to hear all the bad things they had done in the past. If you speak in negatives, the other person’s feelings will get hurt, and they will shut down. But if positivity is brought into your iteration, then it is likely that you will be heard, and the disagreement can be resolved rapidly, smoothly and efficiently.”
My Valet counseled, “Disagreements are a way of life, but they don’t have to cause havoc. The next time you boys encounter a conflict, try these techniques and see if you can resolve the problem faster and more efficiently.”
Professor Eberhardt repossessed therein.
“Generally, reasonable disagreements come in two varieties – normative and empirical. A reasonable normative dispute concerns the identification and application of moral principles and values. For example, both parties might disagree about the relative importance of deservingness. Are any of us in a cognitive position to make that determination and to justify our temptation to surmise that those who disagree with us have made a culpable mistake?